Battery and Electric Vehicles Fires (Hard)

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum decontamination procedure required for personnel engaging in firefighting operations at a battery fire event?

Standard structural fire decontamination procedures should be followed. (correct)

Personnel should simply wash their hands with soap and water.

Decontamination is not required if mechanical ventilation is used.

Personal protective equipment should be immediately discarded.

When faced with battery hazards, which source should be consulted first for health information?

Local library resources

Manufacturer's manual

Personal anecdotal experiences

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (correct)

In the absence of specific inhalation hazard information for a battery, what should personnel do?

Ignore the potential hazards.

Wait for a designated expert to arrive on site.

Proceed with operations without any precautions.

Consult air monitoring tables and reference material. (correct)

Which type of decontamination should be considered for incidents involving corrosive contamination?

Technical decontamination Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first point of contact for questions regarding the Standard Operating Guideline?

Company Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the references and related policies section?

To offer applicable laws, standards, and related guidelines. Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do in cases where there is a lack of specific information on a particular battery?

Look for reference material for guidance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following entities could be referenced for battery and electric vehicle fire protocols?

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the initial operations for battery and electric vehicle fires?

Determine if any individuals need to be rescued or evacuated Signup and view all the answers

How should batteries be treated during an incident involving battery or electric vehicle fires?

As energized components Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should be utilized for evaluating an incident scene involving battery emergencies?

Assess, Control Hazards, Rescue, Evacuate Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action regarding hazard control at battery fires?

Isolate and deny entry while establishing control zones based on hazards Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered in a risk assessment for battery emergencies?

The hazards, ability to control them, likelihood of harm, and expected benefit of intervention Signup and view all the answers

What should be presumed for electric vehicles during a fire incident?

Non-intervention for fire involvement should be considered while protecting infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

In response to interior and exterior energy storage systems (ESS), what is crucial to establish?

Control zones and restrict operations to immediate life safety needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the initial operations protocol for battery and electric vehicle fires?

Maintaining constant communication with bystanders Signup and view all the answers

Which fire suppression method is recommended for small Lithium fires?

Using a Class D Agent Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored when dealing with Lead Acid batteries?

LEL and CO levels Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding Lithium-Ion batteries is accurate?

Visible fires can be extinguished with water or an appropriate extinguishing agent. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in managing a battery and electric vehicle fire involving interior Energy Storage Systems (ESS)?

Deny entry and establish control zones Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical precaution when removing a battery pack during a fire incident?

Ensure there is a full risk assessment before removal. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an effective method for mitigating battery hazards?

Using Sodium Chloride for fire suppression Signup and view all the answers

Which safety equipment is essential when restricting operations in an ESS hot zone?

Full structural PPE and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing to consider when dealing with Lithium batteries involved in a fire?

Allowing the batteries to burn out in a safe area. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical gas that must be monitored during an ESS incident?

Carbon monoxide (CO) Signup and view all the answers

Which option represents a critical step when handling Lithium batteries post-fire exposure?

Using an appropriate fire blanket or cover during removal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of contacting technical specialists during an ESS incident?

To ensure the technical specialist expertise is applied to the situation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding the battery's electrolyte during an incident?

Identify its toxicity and environmental hazards. Signup and view all the answers

In case of an explosion or fire hazard from an exterior ESS, what initial action should be taken?

Isolate, deny entry, and establish control zones Signup and view all the answers

What action is NOT recommended during the management of ESS incidents?

Conduct a full-scale evacuation of the area Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus when patients are exposed to smoke from a battery fire?

Evaluate and transport them to appropriate medical facilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is important for establishing a mitigation plan?

Collaborating with the Incident Commander, RP, and Technical Specialists Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective date for the policy regarding Battery and Electric Vehicle Fires?

8 Aug. 2024 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of this policy concerning internal use?

To clarify that it does not create additional legal duty Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for reviewing the policy on Battery and Electric Vehicle Fires?

Operations Signup and view all the answers

What action can result from a proven violation of this policy?

Non-judicial administrative action Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the handling of errors in the document?

A QR code is provided for error submission Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Initial Response

Consult with the Incident Commander to determine if rescue or evacuation is needed
Treat all batteries as energized to avoid contact with high-voltage components
Utilize the ACRE approach for rapid scene evaluation: Assess, Control Hazards, Rescue, Evacuate
Secure the area, isolate access, and establish control zones based on identified hazards
Employ appropriate methods and equipment to separate personnel and civilians from hazards
Conduct risk assessments considering factors such as hazards, control capabilities, harm likelihood, and intervention benefits

Addressing Battery Fires

Consider water for small lithium fires, as lithium metal burns quickly in the initial stages
Class D Agent, preferably copper, can be effective but sodium chloride is NOT effective
Identify battery electrolyte for toxicity and environmental hazards requiring mitigation

Lead Acid Battery Considerations

Monitor for LEL and CO
Dry chemical can be used for fire suppression
Consult the SDS for guidance when available
Consider neutralization for spills

Lithium-Ion Battery-Specific Actions

Allow batteries involved in fire to burn out in a safe area
Extinguish visible flames with water or suitable extinguishers.
Ensure a charged hose line or appropriate extinguishing mechanism is readily available near a battery subjected to thermal, physical, or electrical abuse.
Ventilate the affected area.
Cool adjacent battery cells with water.
Utilize a thermal imager to observe battery cells.
Consider disconnecting batteries connected to chargers.
Removal from an enclosure to an outdoor area necessitates a thorough risk assessment.
Consider overpacking batteries before transporting them outdoors to a secure location.
Employ appropriate cutting tools/equipment for battery pack removal.
Utilize a fire blanket or cover for batteries during removal.

Interior Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Considerations

Establish control zones based on ESS size, number, and location
Deny entry and establish control zones accounting for ESS hazards
Monitor for flammable and toxic gas build-up in the area, particularly LEL and CO levels.
Ventilate the affected area
Limit operations within the ESS hot zone to immediate life safety requirements with full structural PPE, SCBA, and hand line protection.
Immediately contact the responsible party (RP) or emergency numbers for the ESS facility, and ensure arrival of technical specialists.
Consider exposure protection measures.
Collaborate with the Incident Commander, RP, and Technical Specialists to develop a mitigation plan.

Exterior Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Considerations

Isolate, deny access, and establish control zones based on the ESS size and potential for explosions or fires.
Restrict operations within the ESS hot zone to immediate life safety needs, with full structural PPE, SCBA, and hand line protection.
Immediately contact the RP or emergency numbers for the ESS facility, and ensure arrival of technical specialists.
Implement exposure protection and manage visible fire using water if appropriate.
Work with the Incident Commander, RP, and Technical Specialists to develop a mitigation plan.
Consider technical specialist assistance.

Exposure Medical Care for Battery Fire Smoke Inhalation

Evaluate patients exhibiting smoke inhalation symptoms from battery fires through qualified medical personnel and transport them to an appropriate facility.
Consult the SDS for health information and provide it to medical and hospital staff if available.
Refer to current reference materials and air monitoring tables to identify specific inhalation hazards in the absence of definitive information about the battery involved.

Decontamination

Consult the SDS or a technical expert regarding battery hazards if accessible.
Decontaminate as required.
For battery fire events, standard structural fire decontamination procedures should be followed for any personnel involved in firefighting or entry operations into designated hot zones.
Explore technical decontamination for incidents involving corrosive contamination.

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Description

This quiz covers essential procedures for responding to battery incidents, including techniques for rescue, evacuation, and hazard assessment. It specifically addresses the unique challenges posed by lithium and lead-acid batteries, emphasizing safety and effective mitigation strategies.